Beeswax: The Safer Alternative
Beeswax candles are a natural alternative to the more popular paraffin wax candles, and some people prefer it for its cleaner burning qualities as well as the organic factor.
Beeswax is produced in tiny scales which are "sweated" from the segments on the underside of the abdomens of bees. Bees produce beeswax by gorging themselves with honey and huddling together to raise the temperature of the cluster. Bees must consume about ten pounds of honey to produce one pound of bees wax!
This natural wax has a high resistance to heat, but if it is cooled too quickly, beeswax will become pale, brittle, and prone to cracking due to rapid contraction. So beeswax should be cooled as slowly as possible for the best texture and color.
You can preserve the scent of fresh beeswax by making sure not to raise the temperature of the wax more than a few degrees above melting point - and then only for a short period. Storing the wax in low temperatures will help preserve the natural scent.
When melting beeswax as well as other waxes, it is best to use stainless steel, plastic, or tin plated containers or wax melters, because iron rusts and containers of galvanised iron, brass, or copper can discolor the wax. Also remember to never place a pan of wax directly on a burner. This will ruin the wax, plus, if beeswax gets too hot, it will ignite into an extremely dangerous fire! Beeswax candles are high quality, but it's important to be extra careful when working with it.
For more information about candle making and beeswax, or to choose from related products, choose from one of the following links:
Aromatherapy | Candle Making | Soy Candles
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